Experimental Investigation on Leachate-Contaminated Lateratic Soil

Abstract

Contamination of soil due to the Leachate from Municipal Solid waste is a major environmental problem. Landfill leachate is generated from liquids existing in the waste as it enters a landfill or from rainwater that passes through the waste within the facility. A large quantity of Leachate is produced from the dump yards in various parts of India. With urban development and expansion, these areas are reclaimed for construction and other purposes. The engineering behaviour of structures constructed of/with municipal solid waste fills are unpredictable. An extensive laboratory exploration was carried out to determine the index properties, shear strength characteristics, compaction characteristics and hydraulic conductivity of clean and contaminated lateritic soil. Contaminated samples are prepared by mixing the lateritic soil with varying amount of leachate content like 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% by weight to vary the degree of contamination. The effects of leachate on the Atterberg’s limit showed decrease in liquid and plastic limit values with the increase in the leachate content. Reduction in maximum dry density and increase in hydraulic conductivity were observed.